Student A:As a social science, contemporary political science started to take shape in the latter half of the 19th century. At that time it began to separate itself from political philosophy, which traces its roots back to the works of Chanakya, Aristotle, and Plato which were written nearly 2,500 years ago. The term "political science" was not always distinguished from political philosophy, and the modern discipline has a clear set of antecedents including also moral philosophy, political economy, political theology, history, and other fields concerned with normative determinations of what ought to be and with deducing the characteristics and functions of the ideal state.

When did political science become an academic discipline?
Student B:OK... The relevant sentence in the passage is: As a social science, contemporary political science started to take shape in the latter half of the 19th century.
the latter half of the 19th century.

Problem:In practice, the House of Commons' scrutiny of the Government is fairly weak. Since the first-past-the-post electoral system is employed, the governing party often enjoys a large majority in the Commons, and there is often little need to compromise with other parties. Modern British political parties are so tightly organised that they leave relatively little room for free action by their MPs. Also, many ruling party MPs are paid members of the Government. Thus, during the 20th century, the Government has lost confidence issues only three times -- twice in 1924, and once in 1979. However, the threat of rebellions by their own party's backbench MPs often forces Governments to make concessions (under the Coalition, over foundation hospitals and under Labour over top-up fees and compensation for failed company pension schemes). Occasionally the Government is defeated by backbench rebellions (Terrorism Act 2006). However, the scrutiny provided by the Select Committees is more serious.

Answer this question based on the passage: what electoral system is used to elect the united kingdom house of commons?
Solution:OK... The relevant information is: In practice, the House of Commons' scrutiny of the Government is fairly weak. Since the first-past-the-post electoral system is employed, the governing party often enjoys a large majority in the Commons, and there is often little need to compromise with other parties.
the first - past - the - post.

Student A:Passage: As of 2006, California had an estimated population of 37,172,015, more than 12 percent of the U.S. population. This includes a natural increase since the last census of 1,557,112 people (that is 2,781,539 births minus 1,224,427 deaths) and an increase due to net migration of 751,419 people. Immigration resulted in a net increase of 1,415,879 people, and migration from within the U.S. produced a net decrease of 564,100 people. California is the 13th fastest-growing state. As of 2008, the total fertility rate was 2.15. The most recent census reports the population of California is 39,144,818.

Question: Based on this passage, what percentage of the country lives in california?
Student B:OK... The relevant information is: As of 2006, California had an estimated population of 37,172,015, more than 12 percent of the U.S. population.
12 percent.

Problem:Passage: The tallest U.S. President was Abraham Lincoln at 6 feet 4 inches (193 centimeters), while the shortest was James Madison at 5 feet 4 inches (163 centimeters).

Question: Based on this passage, who was the shortest president and how tall was he?
Solution:OK... This is the relevant information: The tallest U.S. President was Abraham Lincoln at 6 feet 4 inches (193 centimeters), while the shortest was James Madison at 5 feet 4 inches (163 centimeters).
James Madison at 5 feet 4 inches ( 163 centimeters ).

Student A:Lactase is an enzyme produced by many organisms. It is located in the brush border of the small intestine of humans and other mammals. Lactase is essential to the complete digestion of whole milk; it breaks down lactose, a sugar which gives milk its sweetness. Lacking lactase, a person consuming dairy products may experience the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Lactase can be purchased as a food supplement, and is added to milk to produce "lactose-free" milk products.

Answer this question: where is lactase found in the human body?
Student B:OK... To answer the above question, the relevant sentence is: It is located in the brush border of the small intestine of humans and other mammals.
in the brush border of the small intestine.

Student A:Batman is an ongoing American comic book series featuring the DC Comics superhero Batman as its main protagonist. The character first appeared in Detective Comics # 27 (cover dated May 1939). Batman proved to be so popular that a self-titled ongoing comic book series began publication with a cover date of Spring 1940. It was first advertised in early April 1940, one month after the first appearance of his new sidekick, Robin, the Boy Wonder.

Answer this question based on the passage: when was the first batman comic book published?
Student B:
OK... To answer the above question, the relevant sentence is: Batman proved to be so popular that a self-titled ongoing comic book series began publication with a cover date of Spring 1940.
Spring 1940.